Irish Split Up Over Divorce Law (Press, 8 July 1983)

In Dublin, 24-year-old Jennifer represents a significant issue faced by around 35,000 Irish women who, despite having terminated their marriages years ago, remain legally barred from obtaining a divorce due to Ireland's stringent laws. Alongside Malta, Ireland stands out as the only country in Europe where divorce is effectively prohibited, a situation entrenched in the country's constitution. The predicament for women like Jennifer is stark: they are left either to live a solitary life or engage in unlawful relationships, along with the complications of illegitimate children, in a predominantly Catholic society. Jennifer has expressed her frustration at being penalised for a mistake made at the tender age of 17, and she is not alone. A growing sentiment for change is palpable in Ireland, reflected in a recent opinion poll indicating that 56 per cent of respondents support legalising divorce under certain circumstances, an increase from similar polls ten years ago. Only 37 per cent still oppose any form of divorce. This challenge to divorce laws is part of a wider scrutiny directed at various moral legislations in Ireland, remnants of a time when the Catholic Church held a privileged role in society. Although a referendum in 1973 stripped the Church of its constitutional power, it continues to wield significant influence. For instance, a doctor recently faced legal repercussions for illegally selling contraceptives, claiming he would "rather go to jail than pay" the imposed fine and asserting that many of his peers share similar sentiments. Activism is also burgeoning in other areas, such as the push for gay rights. Earlier this year, David Norris, a gay rights advocate, took his case to the Supreme Court in an effort to overturn a 19th-century law criminalising homosexual acts between consenting adults. Although he did not succeed, two judges supported his stance, hinting at potential legal shifts in the future. Public attitudes towards abortion, which is similarly outlawed in Ireland, are evolving as well. A May poll revealed that 53 per cent of respondents did not support a referendum aimed at enshrining the current abortion ban in the constitution, contrasting sharply with a previous poll in November where 54 per cent were in favour of such a measure. Critics highlight the divorce ban as particularly outdated, noting that Church annulments can only be granted under specific conditions, limiting the options available to couples seeking to remarry. While a handful of annulments are granted each year, receiving one does not guarantee the ability to remarry within the Church without the bishop’s approval, further complicating the plight of those affected. As societal views evolve, the growing demand for legal reform suggests significant changes may be on the horizon in Ireland.

The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact

The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand